Amal Kassir

Watching the news, it seems like ethnic divides are ever-deepening. But how can we solve these complicated problems when each side lives in fear of the other? The answer is simple, argues Syrian-American poet Amal Kassir – it starts with, “What’s your name?”

Amal has performed in 8 countries and over 25 cities, from youth prisons to orphanages to refugee camps. Her work in the community involves humanitarian initiatives for Syria, speaking out and organizing against Islamophobia, and empowering the voice of the marginalized through writing & speaking.

Amal is a 2012 Brave New Voices International Slam Champion with Denver’s Minor Disturbance & has been featured in LA Times, PBS Newshour, Colorado Public Radio, Westword Magazine and the Denver Post. Based in Denver, CO, she attends university full-time & teaches workshops to communities across Denver, performing nationally & internationally throughout the semester while picking up a shift or two from the family’s Damascus Restaurant.